Georgian Communities a new-home builder like no other

When you know, you know. And when you research or visit any of Georgian Communities’ properties in southwestern Ontario, you quickly and easily get the sense that this is no ordinary builder.

Indeed, with projects such as Braestone in Horseshoe Valley, Windfall at Blue Mountain, and Mountain House at Windfall, Georgian is accomplished at not just building homes, but designing and bringing to life entire communities with one-of-a-kind features and amenities.

Active Life sat down with Mike Parker, vice-president of sales and marketing, for an inside look at this builder like no other – and why homebuyers should take a serious look.

What is the status of the master plan for Windfall at Blue Mountain? There appears to be six phases… where are you in which phase?

We’re very excited to have recently released our final phase. This part of the community offers many lots that back onto beautiful nature areas and Windfall’s trail system. The neighbour directly to the east, is the renowned Scandinave Spa, just a stroll away.

How does Mountain House at Windfall differ from Windfall at Blue Mountain?

Mountain House is a lowrise condominium community consisting of an intimate collection of 12 buildings. The amenities at Mountain House provide a private club-like four-season playground, known as Zephyr Springs, comprised of a sauna, fitness area, hot and warm outdoor pools. Additionally, we included an exclusive gathering place for the residents to enjoy aptly named Apres Lodge.

Windfall is a remarkable community right next to Ontario’s four-season destination, Blue Mountain Resort and Village. The Windfall site is an extraordinary one, 148 acres in all, and dedicates one-third of the land to parks, ponds, trails, wildlife and nature preservation areas, and other natural features. When designing both the semi-detached, and 50-ft. detached homes at Windfall, the goal was to create a distinctive and timeless architectural style, one that combines the elements of early Georgian Bay cottages, cabins and chalets, but in a more modern and eco-friendly interpretation.

When Windfall is complete, it will more authentically represent mountain resort living than any other neighbourhood in the Collingwood and Blue Mountain area.

Mountain House at Windfall appears to be sold out. What about this community proved to be so popular?

Yes, Mountain House is sold out. As we do with all our communities, we spent an enormous amount of time planning every detail well in advance of a sales release. Each community we create is an opportunity to deliver something truly unique and special. People who were looking for a mountain home, with the ease of condominium ownership, could immediately see that we were offering an incredible opportunity to be part of something remarkable. We created our amenity space at the same time as building our first phase, therefore subsequent phase purchasers could see that we were going to deliver on our overall vision.

Why should people buy and live at Windfall at Blue Mountain? What are some of the most appealing characteristics?

When we began planning Windfall, we envisioned our residents enjoying comfort, character, culture and community – the four Cs that are so important to a relaxed way of life. We imagined Windfall as an authentic reflection of genuine resort life with an inspired landscape, distinctive architecture, a nature corridor trail system that includes wetlands, parklands, forest and nature preserves, and a vibrant social gathering centre simply referred to as The Shed. Recently, our residents arranged a community social gathering in this exclusive space. Hundreds of people enjoyed the outdoor warm and hot pools, roasting marshmallows on an open wood fire, horse-drawn sleigh rides throughout the community and the opportunity to connect with each other. It’s a special place that we are extremely proud of and unlike any other community in the Blue Mountain area.

More than 30 per cent of Windfall has been dedicated to preserving nature. That’s an amazing commitment… Is this something Georgian has done on its own, or is this consistent with the larger vision for the Blue Mountain area?

The connection to nature is always a consideration for Georgian Communities. With the picturesque Niagara Escarpment as the backdrop, it was important to, as much as possible, maintain a landscape setting that was harmonious and welcoming for those fortunate enough to call Windfall home. It was important to leverage the abundant natural areas that existed on the site and create a trail system that promotes strong connectivity for waking or cycling throughout the community and beyond. We are very much focused on providing opportunities for an improved lifestyle in all our communities.

What is your target buyer demographic for these developments – active adult buyers who may be retiring and moving north from around the GTA, weekenders who also own primary residences in Toronto…?

When we begin planning a project, of course it is important to envision a place where people will want to live. However, we don’t focus too much on target demographics. We know that if we take our time to work through details on how people will live and interact in our communities, we will be successful. Many of our Windfall homeowners have come from the GTA, some of which reside at Windfall full time, and yes others currently as a second home.

Presumably, many of these buyers would care a great deal about the environment, and therefore things such as Green features and energy efficiency might be high on their must-have lists. How has Georgian addressed this?

We consider all elements of our homes, the building envelope, mechanical systems, indoor and outdoor environment and choose materials that will contribute to a more energy efficient home.

Wellness is also sure to be on their wish lists. What features does Windfall have that cater to these buyer needs?

Fun active living is easy when you are surrounded by so many opportunities. At Windfall, wellness isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a lifestyle. World-class skiing, golf, boating on Georgian Bay, dining and shopping in historic downtown Collingwood, and of course the onsite sauna, pools, gym, trails are available for the residents to use just outside their door.

Georgian also has Braestone in Horseshoe Valley, quite a unique community. What, if any, features or learnings from that community have been duplicated at Windfall?

Although the amenities are quite different at Braestone, the common theme is the promotion of neighbourliness and community, active living and a connection with the beautiful natural landscapes that exist on and around both communities.

What’s next for Georgian Communities?

We have two new communities we are planning to launch this year. Victoria Annex is proudly located in one of Collingwood’s most sought-after neighbourhoods. This boutique infill will consist of just 19 units, including a transformed 19th century schoolhouse, an inspired new coach house, and luxury single and semi-detached homes tucked closely to the downtown core.

Craighurst Crossing in the heart of the quaint village of Craighurst, rich in charm and history and perfectly located two minutes to Hwy. 400 and less than 15 minutes to Barrie. Craighurst Crossing’s first phase will offer just 58, minimum 50-ft. lots, set in one of the most desirable woodland nodes within the community. A thoughtful collection of modern farmhouse-style bungalows and two-storey homes will be distinctive and timeless.

And what about Mike Parker? What do you get up to in your spare time?

Beyond spending time with family and friends, I have trail running races coming up this year that I’m currently training for. I completed my first 50K in Saskatchewan last September, and have two more planned for this year in Ontario.

Of all the things you’ve been able to accomplish at Georgian, what stands out as a highlight?

Over time, we’ve assembled a very strong team that is supportive of each other, and although we’ve had success, we are an inspired group who all feel like we are just getting started.

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